The truth behind Pocho the crocodile - And you're not going to like it.

[@FloridasWildest]

Professionals with over 30 years combined experience who work with alligators every day: “alligators are not your friends and do not love you” People on the Internet with no crocodilian experience: “OMG these people are so wrong and don’t know what they’re talking about!” 😂😂😂 Seriously guys, thank you so much for all the support! We love educating people that are open to it❤️

[@modelsnsonsflooring9428]

You guys already knows how the internet always think they have the world figured ou I'm from south Georgia we have gators n i stay clear of them t 😆 God bless you guys and family

[@jasonwebb1882]

Well guys and gals. I am 45yrs old and I can honestly say that I am glad that some people speak the truth. Growing up in the Southeastern Louisiana swamps, I know a good bit about crocodians. My last name should help on one man that taught me so much about them. Grahame Webb, is one of the worlds leading person on the Crocodilians. For me, I started doing swamp tours when I first turned 18. Like no JOKE, the very day I turned 18. Everyone would freak out that I could jump into the water with these so called man eating gators. Like y'all, people want to assume that they love me. No they don't love me and they would love to eat me. They just don't know if that fight is worth it or not... Will they get hurt when they try. Theres no way that I can tell you or anyone else my 38yrs of traveling the world and learning in Australia on Salties, how much I know. I was told to watch a video of yours and see what I thought. Well, unfortunately it was 6 months ago and I was like ok whatever. Another person who thinks that their gator loves them. Lol. I couldn't have been futher from the truth. Good job!!!! Do where I failed and teach the younger generation. I am to old and boken now to go and do anymore. Just say that ALS takes its toll on a person. With much respect, good luck and I wish you two the very best. Stay safe.

[@achmadirwan521]

Hi, please check this KZbinr. He make friend with Croccodile since around 24 years, until now. He called Ambo, a man who met this wild crocs (small/baby) started to fed until approximately 6m lenght. This crocs still live on wild, oftenly come accross to His house near the river or He will go to downstream to meet. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sH67p4t3YpKroKc

[@juarezm.6737]

sry but thats not 100% correct, alligators/crododiles can "love" you... but they do "it" in their way... Eating u if u are weak and disabled are not seeing by then as an evil thing... its a "cultural instinct thing" but yes.. they show many signs of caring and bond, they are not just as intense as mammals... the same way a dog can bite ur hand if u steal his food, so is Croc... but damage are bigger.. remember science did not prove they CAN LOVE, but didnt PROVE they CANT either... so, we are still open for possibilities

[@modelsnsonsflooring9428]

@@jasonwebb1882 I believe it depends on the size of the gator also me being from south Georgia we always had gators but a saltie is definitely a no no for me

[@Dynotop1a]

“A wild animal does or doesn’t bite you for a specific motivation and that motivation is never a Disney story” Pretty concise way of putting it!

[@exelmans8855]

Same way goes for humans.

[@kendrasowell2411]

Chris & Gabby, y’all always bring that raw honesty. Even when you know some people might disagree, or be upset by the truth. I have so much respect for you both:). Gabby, I LOVE your T-shirt!

[@A_name_is_a_name]

An animal in general. Your dogs and cats will eat you if you pass away in the crib

[@Breakaway-ic5gj]

@@A_name_is_a_name Well nothing wrong with that, they're starving. Starve a person for a week and they'll also return to their instincts.

[@dickwellington8578]

@@A_name_is_a_name dogs are about the only animal id 100% trust (not all dogs only certain ones of course) they evolved along side us for so long that a lot of dogs are much more comfortable with people than other dogs. They’ve evolved to get extremely good at reading our body language and voices and have even made themselves easier to interpret their body language and voice compared to wolves. There’s a reason they’re called mans best friend.

[@-leezha-]

I don't understand how people can't be happy with just the idea that it is SO AMAZING to be able to build a working relationship with these animals; a level of trust/co-existence with these giant apex predators is just as amazing

[@knockout4121]

agree! Its the interaction that is facinating

[@jessyflorezwitchcraftsigaw5802]

This youtubers will split in two months

[@sn4pi]

They are happy with the idea. But it's just an idea still. Not reality

[@mrgforces]

@@sn4pi Damn, well put!

[@darkrl591]

The problem is that the idea might get people killed so a reality check is needed.

[@mastergecko1178]

Love how you guys try to keep human-animal relationship as scientific and factual as possible but also treat all your animals with a lot of love and care.

[@Sleviron]

actually the video consisted of few facts and a lot of presumptions.

[@darlanahernandez4052]

Actually this video shows no scientific truth at all . Scientifically speaking crocodiles can and most likely do feel some form of love . Also they point out their Crocs don't love them but trust them , And trust is the foundation of love . To say no crocodile feels love would be absolutely scientifically speaking stupid . Because science can not prove that these animals can't feel it .The cortex plays a strong part in memory, attention, perception, awareness and consciousness. As it or something like it appears to be present in the brains of all vertebrates, it’s possible that even crocodiles have empathy.Recent studies have found that crocodiles and their relatives are highly intelligent animals capable of sophisticated behavior such as advanced parental care, complex communication and use of tools for hunting. Crocodilians engage in all three main types of play distinguished by behavior specialists: locomotor play, play with objects and social play. Crocodiles have also been seen playing with other animals. In rare cases, individual crocodilians have been known to bond so strongly with other species they become playmates for years . So to flat out say no crocodile feels love is absolutely flat out bullshit ! And the science is NOT on their side with this ! .

[@benayers8622]

Total BS pair of fools saying "i really believe what iv been told i should believe" not a braincell between em these r the type who memorise lies cos ther incapable of deducing the truth from the web of lies our education system has used to force obedience and social compliance on ppl@@Sleviron

[@jpali24]

I tell people the same thing about politicians, they appear that they love you but as soon as you show signs of thinking for yourself they want to eat you😂😂

[@judgesfiveeight]

You might be losing a lot of money and opportunity by keeping it real. But... you're also saving a lot of crocodilians... and people. Respect.

[@sergiosanchez8347]

It’s not about the money 💰 if people believed a crocodile can love you believe there are going to be a lot of idiots getting them selves killed thinking they can do the same . Education video to keep both human and animal safe . I’m pretty sure they make enough money to at least cover the cost of food for there rescued animals

[@luckyluke1503]

So you don’t believe there are few people who can have special relations with wild animals? I mean there is a Russian zookeeper Called Oleg in Crimea and he hug and kisses lions and some of them he didn’t not have contact with since they were kids.

[@sergiosanchez8347]

@@luckyluke1503 you’re talking about professionals that have years of experience and have learned how to interact and build bonds with wild animals doesn’t mean it will always be safe u always take a chance with a wild animal I was referring to your average human

[@sergiosanchez8347]

@@Amor1990 lmaoooo 😂😂😂😂😂 ok mr know it all .

[@boundary2580]

@@luckyluke1503 lions aren’t crocodilians. Two entirely different families of animals with different social behaviors.

[@jjulezify]

My husband has had a crocodilian license for about 20 years. Raised a cayman from a hatchling to about 7 feet and currently house a 3 year old American alligator. The best way to put it is that they will eat you and feel no remorse. Yes, you can train them but they will always will be wild. Thank you for giving people realistic information. If you want an animal to “love” you, get a dog or cat but please don’t think you can own these animals thinking they will “love” you back.

[@240WoodShop]

There’s a video of Steve Irwin crying when one of his crocs died. He pulled her out of the water and wept while holding her. In the same enclosure, the big male croc, who is famous for aggressively seeking to kill Steve was way across the other side of the pond and did not go anywhere near his dead denial croc or Steve. I’ve always wondered about that and why he didn’t take that opportunity to get Steve. Since seeing that I became more and more intrigued with crocodiles and their unique intelligence.

[@dragonwithamonocle]

Crocodilians are extremely smart. They watch people, learn their patterns. Most of the time that involves stalking people camping along a riverside and taking the opportune moment to strike, but to take that level of cunning and learning and deny that they would apply it in other ways is ignorance. I doubt that male croc was experiencing empathy for Steve's loss, but I'm certain there was a level of understanding that this new visible state was unknown, and possibly dangerous. He may have been watching and learning, or just suspicious, or maybe he did have a certain level of respect. It's so hard to know. You can't read crocs like you can people, or even like you can gators and monitor lizards. I have no doubt though, that he knew something was up and maybe it would be beneficial to stay back. I think that's about all we can say for anything remotely close to sure.

[@SMC01ful]

@@dragonwithamonocle Agreed, give it a few more hours left alone with the corpse and it would be an all you can eat buffet.

[@genabargay4391]

@@Dr_Diaz they are extremely intelligent!! People on the other hand are not, if they think that any reptile is their friend, reptile's aren't even pet's, they tolerate us till they have an opportunity to attack or escape

[@thunderstrikegaming7583]

@@Dr_Diaz exactly

[@Anthonyspartan514]

@@Dr_Diaz instinct implies there is no thinking involved a dog has instinct but can use intelligence to open doors or observe their owners no animal is one hundred percent gut instinct in their behaviour

[@mrdee2454]

This is why I am subbed. They speak the truth not comforting lies. This information keeps people safe and aware around these animals

[@409raul]

These are the type of people I want to have around in my life - logical, rational and not prone to being hijacked by one's own beliefs and emotions.

[@FloridasWildest]

🤙🏼🐊

[@thunderstrikegaming7583]

Exactly bro, same here

[@summern3064]

I am constantly reminding myself this as well and it really is the way to maintain orientation 👍 I like how you worded it

[@snowfreak551]

So not a democrat lol

[@409raul]

@@snowfreak551 hahaha good one! But not a republican either. If you're bringing political parties into this conversation, then you gotta admit that both sides have their share of illogical and irrational flaws.

[@amynelson6264]

Who is to say who is capable of love? The truth is you do not know.

[@davewave2760]

No matter how dangerous an animal is, you can always trust them more than the government.

[@jeff-8511]

We humans evolved a brain capable of feeling affection and love. It helped us in our survival. Crocodiles/ Alligators evolved differently. Their brain works differently.

[@FloridasWildest]

100%!!

[@MarqFJA87]

"You can leave the door wide open to the enclosure, and the gator's just looking like '... But the food's over that way.'" Okay, this line just killed me. XD Hilarious and yet so accurate!

[@TheodoreManthovani]

I'd say the correct sentence would be "They are content to be with us, and decided we're not hostile nor food, but provide them food."

[@luknevcs0876]

Poncho obviously didn’t love chito because crocs do not have that type of emotions, they don’t feel love the same way people do but it is extremely impressive that a Crocodile was able to get so attached to a human being, it’s different with alligators, gators don’t see humans as food, they eat mostly fish they are not killing machines crocs On the other hand eat absolutely everything that gets in their way, they are a lot more aggressive and will eat humans too, I live in Costa Rica and it is very common to see that crocodiles attack people just to eat them, with alligators or caimans this does not happen, gators and caimans try to stay as far away from people as possible, they don’t like interacting with them and don’t see them as food but a threat, crocodiles see people as food this is why chito and Poncho’s story is so incredibly impressive

[@thoughtfuldevil6069]

Temple Grandin wrote a really great book on this topic. Technical explanation: All vertebrates do feel affection, as this neurochemical reaction is necessary for sexual reproduction and sometimes child-rearing, but the strength of that affection varies and can be overwhelmed by other, more vital emotions such as panic or aggression. Poncho might have lost those emotions in his brain damage, hence why his only expressions are simple affection. Keeping in mind that the difference in simple affection and complex 'love' is the complexity of the brain those neurochemical reactions take place in.

[@satuisaburda8969]

That’s surely an interesting *thought*, funnily reminds me of the little boy that accidentally suffocated his goldfish trying to sleep with it overnight outside the tank for comfort.

[@VITAS874]

Love is a stranger we used to know

[@phiphijackson4997]

From what I saw in the documentary, Pocho only allowed her caretaker to swim with her. There is a scene in the documentary where the journalist attempted to swim with the pairing, and Pocho became quite agitated and displayed signs aggression. And yes, Pocho was a female.

[@RockstarRacc00n]

If a crocodile couldn't show aggression, it couldn't eat to live.

[@blixten2928]

THANK YOU, excellent observation and I'll check out the book!

[@jennh2096]

This is exactly what makes tame, domesticated pets, like dogs, different from trained wild animals. A dog actually forms an emotional bond with its human because of centuries of domestication. Dogs have evolved to form bonds with humans because of this. If you want an animal to love you, get a dog, he will truly be your best friend. An alligator may chill with you, and decide not to eat you, but he won't love you like a dog. Lastly, I wonder if some animals, like Casper for instance, learn to mimick human behaviors, you pet him and now he rubs his head against you just as a sort of learned behavior, not as an act of affection.

[@MarqFJA87]

I don't think it's domestication that's at play, actually; I recall the story of a woman who had basically managed to become recognized as a fellow member of a wolf pack (which, in the wild, are always made of parents and their offspring, i.e. literal nuclear families). You know what the common factor between dogs and wolves that is absent in crocodilians? The former are highly social, whereas the latter are primarily solitary and only occasionally gregarious (e.g. they are tolerant of each other being in close proximity during droughts, where they are typically forced to share water sites); hell, tigers are famously solitary and territorial and yet even they socialize with each other more than crocodilians do. It makes sense that social animals would be able to form emotional bonds with humans under the right circumstances, whereas with truly solitary animals, any "friendly" relationship we form with them is one of apathetic toleration at best because they simply lack the capacity to connect with even conspecifics (kinda like people with antisocial personality disorder, who completely lack the faculty of emotional empathy).

[@Lugia007PLn]

no animal can love, no matter if it's a crocodile or a dog

[@mrgforces]

Also dogs/wolves are pack animals, unlike crocs and gators

[@caniform-craze2080]

You cannot actually form a loving bond with a dog if food is heavily involved, food is the most basic distraction.

[@ABoxIsMyHome]

@@caniform-craze2080 evidence?

[@MiniNymph]

I wish people were into these real stories as much as the fantasy of animals loving people. It's extra special that, even though you guys know Casper and TickTock will never love you, you still love them. That's exactly the people who should have sanctuaries because you actually understand animals. Not through some mystical connection; through being good at your jobs!

[@gertrudelaronge6864]

Yes! Could not agree more.

[@takticz_5716]

That's sad but true your loving an animal that doesn't love you 💯 takes allot

[@hunterlee4412]

Working with feral dogs, cats and other wild animals has taught me one invaluable lesson. The closest thing reptiles feel to love is comfort and an understanding of where food comes from. Reptiles are not true social creatures in the same way canines, felines, and apes are. If a reptile approaches you without attacking it's because it knows you're not going to harm it and it knows you have food. Trained sharks are very similar, just a little more difficult to do.

[@indoraptorrwakaara2914]

I would partially disagree just because of what some members of the varanus genus have displayed. Food is just a tool used to gain trust, people do the same thing with tigers and actually social animals.

[@MidnightBlackandVictoria]

I think people mistake a "bond" for "love"....They really arent the same thing. Love is unconditional, while a bond can be broken.

[@Prodigi50]

Love itself isn’t unconditional, as there’s a type of love called “unconditional love”.

[@MidnightBlackandVictoria]

@@Prodigi50 If it isnt unconditional, it isnt really love, but an illusion.

[@jordangibson4825]

@@MidnightBlackandVictoria too many Disney movies man

[@MidnightBlackandVictoria]

@@jordangibson4825 I despise disney.

[@triggeredasmr6065]

Unconditional love is ideally reserved for parents towards their children

[@brushwolf]

I've been a falconer for 23 years. I've flown my current hawk for 12 years. The relationship between me and my hawks is strictly symbiotic. If I was 10 inches tall my hawk would try to eat me. The relationship is simply cooperation between two entities. This "being" flushes rabbits for me and I catch. There is no love or affection from my hawks no matter how many years they are flown. This video makes sense and dispels the Disney movie myth that all is sunshine and roses in the animal kingdom.

[@themangastand8475]

I don't know much about falcons. But at least some birds do have the capacity for affection

[@MaskOfCinder]

Well a cat or dog would eat you too if you were smaller than 10 inches. Cats and dogs actually do love you as owners. I get your point though.

[@jdturkdrcox]

That's because Canines and Felines are Social creatures.

[@dvious6624]

Well how could there be... clearly you dont love the hawks, and why would they love you when you dont love them.

[@theonlythingihavetosayis9333]

Animals have the capacity to love. Well some at least. Not all but a lot. Dogs cats rats birds chimps. Even vicious killers like lions and tigers. So your example with the falcon doesnt hold true for all

[@altdelet3778]

I think romantisizing these behaviors is possibly a subconscious way to get over the primordial fear of apex predators. Or maybe an excuse to care about these animals? Anyways thanks for skipping the bs and educating the public. You guys are awesome!

[@rexlapis1075]

I think this is more of a case , poncho tolerates him

[@latusalihyasalim4872]

crocodiles are different i believe the croc loves that guy. and it has nothing to do with its natural instincts. i mean even humans and your loved ones can become really dangerous if they felt threatened or don’t trust you anymore.

[@nikk-named]

It's always difficult to get out of the "animals feel like us" mindset... That's also why i like to watch videos like this once in a while... Just to remember, and reset my brain that likes to believe in these magical stories... Edit: I think the problem (for me) is empathy... Relating my own feelings and thoughts onto the animal. And it's very rarely that I can remind myself to remember that they don't think like we do. And that their connection to instinct and survival is far stronger than ours...

[@AngeliqueBecerra]

Nobody feels like you do. We all feel things in a unique way, every single being - animal or human. And the magic is there ; you can never know truly how someone feels or how an animal feels. Feelings are abstract and can't ever be fully seized or measured nor observed. Behaviour doesn't equal feelings. I love this channel, but I personnally don't subscribe to anybody's set of beliefs when it comes to this type of topic. Truth is, nobody can know for sure and I think that's kind of magical.

[@mshourba27]

I still think poncho loved his owner , I was so sad when Pocho died😞

[@qooch481]

casper is gonna be sad when he hears about this.

[@LeilaKhodor]

I love that you guys call out the production company for wanting you guys to feed people lies! ❤ I think that a lot of kids want to believe anything they see online and for people like you guys to call that out is amazing and respected 🙌 I try to tell my 5-year-old that all the time and we both LOVE watching your videos and I think her hearing that from you guys gave her some reassurance that I'm not making that up! And disney loves to twist the story whatever it takes to make them money!

[@kortekainess]

Just found Pocho tonight, and then this video. As a long-term fan of insect, arachnid, crustacean and reptile/amphibian interaction, this content fascinates me. I dont disagree with anything the two of you have said, since the caveats to safely handling animals like this are many and risky. Though I do think it makes Chito's success with Pocho, without the same background and type of understanding of the animal, that much more fantastic.

[@gertrudelaronge6864]

This is such an important message. Thank you. Your videos are so informative and entertaining. I appreciate the two of you. Hugs to you, and all of the critters that consent to being hugged.

[@96god2]

I bet you guys are fun at parties

[@francisterrel7187]

Thanks for the reminder. i witnessed an alligator eat another allegators legs just because it accidentally got in his mouth. I know these guys have no love or loyalty

[@dakotajordan9328]

My perspective on poncho Changed the moment cheeto rested his head on the crocs head and the croc closed it’s eyes.

[@franram7426]

What about the clip I saw of "Wally" the alligator. A man has him as a pet and a certified "service animal" for PTSD? He takes Wally to the mall and hospitals to meet people. Do you know of him? p.s. I grew up in Florida with an 8' gator in my back yard canal. We never "habituated" him. Dad taught us, "Alex is safe. If you never feed him. Never approach the water's edge quickly. An always keep a 30- 40 yard distance." We did.

[@FloridasWildest]

It’s the same thing, it’s a habituated animal. Anybody can call any animal a service animal nowadays. In our opinion it’s actually sad for the alligator.

[@franram7426]

@@FloridasWildest Thank you. KZbin popped his clip up. I watched it because it looked unusual. After watching it, KZbin sent me to your clip. You're the pro. He's the guy that needs emotional support, which makes him vulnerable to follow "feelings" instead of science. Thanks again.

[@Sephiroth-1]

Chito and Pocho was awesome regardless tho 🔥🔥 I like watching ur videos aswell 👌

[@awarenessiskey]

Also nobody thought pocho, was only friendly based off being rescued. He was friendly because they were close pals and spent time with each other. These are weird assumptions about how to interpret that film.

[@otiskirkland168]

Pocho.. was the first to do it, especially with that monster of alligator he was swimming with..

[@gorgosanma]

Maybe the crocodiles do respect others and have some kind of "feeling", but find it as a waste not to eat their "loved" ones if they're going to die anyway. It reminds me of an old sci-fi book "Anything You Can Do" by Randall Garrett. An alien ate his brother that he esteemed so much as a favor because he knew they were doomed. Great read, and it seems inspired by this kind of animals.

[@rayzala1393]

You ever see that vid of the croc ripping the other crocs leg off by a mistake? (croc bumps into other croc) and even after the leg has been removed the thing acts like nothing even happened. I really don't think crocs have the ability to 'respect' or 'love'. I believe what we see here and with Poncho is just imprinting. That 'respect' your interpreting is just imprinting between crocs and other crocs. It's just a reptilian thing. I have some leopord geckos. Had them for 8 years now. If I put my hand in their cage when they havnt been fed, they WILL bite me. After being fed I can interact with them as they've imprinted on me. The same thing is going on with Casper and Poncho. But for example if my dog hasn't ate for a day and I fall asleep beside him he's not going to eat me because a dog, unlike a reptile can actually respect/love you. 10 days of not eating and it'd be a different story, but the same case could be said for a human.

[@gorgosanma]

@@rayzala1393 Wow, I just saw the video you recomended, it gave me goosebumps. Yeah, I think you're right. It's hard to understand animals that have very different ways of feeling and thinking.

[@jasonberryman1035]

@@rayzala1393 I think with reptiles it depends a bit on the species. My leopard gecko and jeweled lacerta have both bit me pretty hard however the one time my ornate monitor accidentally nipped me while I could tell he wasn’t “regretful” or anything of the sort but it was very apparent that it wasn’t his intention to harm and he immediately let go once he realized I wasn’t prey.

[@Betweentheraindrops8]

We can’t attribute human ideas of affection to animals. Do we believe a python cuddling up next to you, licking you, is showing affection? Of course not. That’s what people don’t understand.

[@VITAS874]

True

[@dreamchase7191]

Chris and gabby are goals. I love their relationship and what they do it’s so inspirational in my opinion. Keep up the good work

[@ptrekboxbreaks5198]

Are dogs just conditioned to tolerate us by giving them food and shelter and they dont have emotions? Who is any human to say what another living being with a functioning brain does or doesnt feel inside that brain? But I do respect their respect for all animals

[@allis5870]

Even dogs will attack their owner during a seizure. It's one of the most common reasons for a dog attack by a well habituated family dog. It'd weird.

[@AY-vi2ld]

I have a deep connection and understanding with mosquitoes. They love getting intimate with my body and we have a connection. They love me!

[@jtoland2333]

That is perfect!

[@ryanhutson3942]

It's mutual respect. Casper respects you, and you respect him. Casper knows you provide food and care, so you're not the first option... buuut, that doesn't mean you are off the menu.

[@BeautyXTwisted]

So Riska the croc in Indonesia is also habituated. She is huge, but seems familiar with humans. I saw a video documentary on her and Ambo, and she almost reminds me of Casper. I’ve seen many stories where wild animals thank their rescuers. Riska learned to associate people with food. But with wild crocs is it worth the risk? All it takes is one slip up… I learn a lot thanks to you guys 💖

[@raymondlepesqueur5620]

Thank you for your comments. In my mind, it explains the Sigfried and Roy incident. Roy had raised the white tiger from a cub but he did something which triggered a defensive response and was nearly killed. A white tiger is not a human being nor does it think like human beings. A point to always remember!

[@meigi4548]

Still you’re a professional at Croc / Alligator encounters ,,, Chito was not , he obviously didn’t know what to expect from Pacho until Pacho showed signs of calm . Adept care take of Pacho, is more impressive that Professional care from experts .

[@MrHomelessgnome]

Love how real you are about everything. Literally covering every respond that someone could give you

[@jakhaughton1800]

Most people are not inherently violent; some are. Why shouldn’t crocodilians have different personalities? The worst human condition is assumption.

[@wfpa40yt]

I’ve always been so curious about this one and about Murabayashi-san in Japan who sleeps in a bed with a spectacled caiman! 👓🐊

[@AaaaNinja]

I wonder what would happen if he had a really bad nightmare while he was sleeping and the caiman decided he was food or a predator in that moment.

[@fmills1583]

He only does it for a photo op, once he has the video of laying down and nuzzling the caiman they go their separate ways. Just like when me and my wife go to bed.

[@Larandar]

@@fmills1583 Savage

[@montv291]

Depends on your definition of love.

[@transmundanemusic]

I appreciate the message here, and I've always thought of crocs/alligators as instinctual, cold blooded, predators....but I'm not sure how anyone can definitively say that a crocodilian is incapable of generating a bond in which they associate a positive chemical reaction with a specific person or another animal. Once that chemical reaction is initiated, it get's stronger w every interaction. This is obviously a false equivalence, but let's not forget that we domesticated wolves. I think as humans, we create grandiose ideas of what "love" is. At the end of the day, it's a bond generated by chemical reactions, generated by positive association. Moreover, "love" only exists in a mutually beneficial relationship (a lot to unpack w that, but I think there's always a give and take happening, even in the case of "unconditional love"). So, food association might be the trigger, but that's not to say that continued association and interaction doesn't create a deeper chemical bond in time. I'm not sure anyone can say for certain that specific animals are incapable of that. We are all products of evolution, meaning we adapt to our environment. I think under specific conditions, some animals might surprise us. That all said, I defer to your expertise and knowledge. I just think the issue here is defining "love", and I think people have a conflated view of what love is. Can a crocodile or alligator love "like a human"? Probably not....but can they develop a bond that closely resembles what we as humans call "love"? I don't know, but I'd argue it's within the realm of possibility.

[@sindri1447]

I think it's up to people like you who think that these animals are capable to form affectionate bonds to prove that. You're the one with the claim. It's impossible to disprove a negative. Meaning it's impossible to prove that something doesn't exist. That's why the burden of proof lies with you and people who share your thinking. Wild speculation gets us nowhere.

[@transmundanemusic]

@@sindri1447 I think you might want to reread what I wrote and/or work on your reading comprehension. I made exactly zero claims. I highlighted that my thought process was speculation based on the interesting story of Poncho. I was simply entertaining possibilities, and I flat out said that I defer to the knowledge of people like this who work with the animals day in and day out.

[@ambercandy1616]

I respect them even more. Many would sell out for the fact of being seen, yet they both are so honest. I really love hearing about their wildlife experiences.

[@mishmazy]

I’m a vet tech and have been in the field for over 15 yrs. I can’t tell you how informative your video is. I deal with this all the time as people humanize animals. Yes, they are domesticated, but they are still animals not humans.

[@Ash-ly9sz]

I bet everyone who works in veterinarian laughs at all the pet owners, while stealing their hard earned cash.

[@zerolightness6674]

Your dog is the cutest he or she is pushing on you to get comfy so adorable!

[@unofficialkingofearth2202]

I feel like these people are still wrong 😕 you don't truly have a bond you just hangout with a creature and try to co exist. You keep trying to throw your education in people's face like it means anything outside a professional work setting. They're lizards so of course they think differently than we do but a true connection is a complete understanding of 2 beings and a large amount of trust. I believe it's possible to build a friendship with a lizard. Humans adapt, build bonds that are usually impossible, and change the earth to fit our needs. Alligators are smart reptiles capable of noticing patterns and remembering things for years and where perfected by millions of years of evolution. You don't try to see things from their level you just believe you're so high and mighty that you can train it to do what you want but you don't care what it wants in the slightest. You don't know what it was thinking when it attacked that female Alligator. But usually that kind of thing means you weren't meeting all of that creature's needs.

[@tonyascott453]

I love the way you guys explain this. I feel you are giving proper knowledge to keep humans and the animals safe. Thank you for your videos and please continue to be safe!

[@rae7036]

we need more people like you guys educating others who don't know any better.. the world is too greedy with profiting off ignorance.

[@AsadKhan-kk8ms]

Hippos and crocs have been doing it for long before we came along, it isn’t love…but it sure does have a lot to do with a personal gain, like being fed or protected or both, it is a symbiotic relationship.

[@LTR1420]

Man, there are a lot of ignorant "internet experts" in these comments. Probably the same typle of people that think when a dog snarls, they're "smiling". I blame it all on TikTok lol.

[@Angelically_Morbid]

Basically they are chill until they don’t feel like being chill anymore. Same Casper.😌

[@Mister.Shamir]

Do you also not think your dog loves you? I feel like it's well documented that animals are capable of affection, especially when brought up very young by their human, like in Pocho's case. You even pointed out how the opposite is true with your gators when you began your video. I understand we have to be wary of assigning tooo many human attributes to animals, but the behavior you show with your gators is not even remotely close to the level of trust and intimacy that Pocho shows with Chito. I understand you are trying to inform the public about being morons and thinking they can replicate such a dangerous scenario with other crocs but I also do think you are being too quick to dismiss the possibility that there is a bond present between them that is very very difficult to develop with such an apex predator.

[@AlexOlins-ly1yh]

Dogs are mammals (they can feel emotions) crocs are reptilians (they pack that part of the brain that makes mamma feel emotions). They are driven by instinct

[@4Leka]

What I find funny about the "rescue therefore love" argument is that DOESN'T EVEN APPLY TO HUMANS. How many humans love the fire fighter, doctor, nurse or EMT that rescued them? Yeah.

[@sharonmoyle8963]

Ok first of all love your work, I’m all about rescue.. That being said, it is widely agreed that crocodiles are way more aggressive than alligators. Crocodiles are known to attack or strike out just because something is near and might even regularly prey on humans. Alligators are opportunistic eaters, still they will eat whatever’s the easiest also. I still gotta give it to Chito, that man did give his full attention and time for the whole 20 years studying his movements, fed him and protected him. The bond they had was undeniable. This special relationship was nothing like work for him day in and day out, instead this croc was like a family member to this man. 20 years is mighty long time to dedicate so much effort and care to an aggressive creature like the man eating croc. I say no one should compare other peoples experiences with animals behaviours, they are all different in their own beautiful way.

[@ZERO_O7X]

My wife and I went to a small zoo and gator sanctuary on the Texas/Louisiana state line where before you go out, they tell you at the end you get to hold a small gator. At first we weren't sure we even wanted to, but when my wife and I looked in it's beautiful eyes, we immediately wanted to hold it. I was most shocked by how soft its skin was, even on its back. Thank you for saving all these critters and educating the public on them.

[@ryanbrooks4020]

It's called Gator Country and I live next to it. It's not a small sanctuary and they are all rescued nuisance gators as well. The have the largest alligator ever caught alive at 13'8" and Big AL who has been there over 25 years and is 13'6" and over 1000lbs. The owner is Gary Saurage. They have over 1000 alligators as well as many other reptiles on site. It is consistently growing.

[@fmills1583]

Disney has an unrealistic depiction of marriage also.

[@NathanielTavington]

omg you guys, TickTock has gotten so big!!! And she looks so GOOD!!! You've done an amazing job with her!

[@thatspiderbyte]

with animals like reptiles, crocodiles and alligators people seem to either underestimate their capacity for emotion or massively overestimate their capacity for love. It's very strange lol

[@blazingtrs6348]

i think it's more egregious when talking about crocodilians. crocodilians have the same brain structure as birds and mammals(makes sense since they are the closest relatives to birds). crocodiles engage in play and that's enough for me to consider them smart

[@SeaIify]

Hi, guys, I knew about yoour channel precisely from that video from The Dodo about TickTok, I loved it and since then I've been watching almost all your videos (including the "very" old ones). I love that you talked about this, because many animal related KZbin channels, including The Dodo, do anthromorphizise animals and their relationships with humans quite a bit, and not only the channel itself but the people watching the videos too. Many comments have this "this is Disney magic" vibe on them that, might be cute or wholesome, but it is not correct/accurate, so I love to see this contrast. Awesome job, guys, as always. :)

[@rickroberts6339]

I think we humans are more like gators and crocs then we would like to believe. We, too, are also opportunistic, although we don't like to think that we are. We stay with people because they make us feel good, feed us, and tend to our needs. Our "love" isn't as noble as we think it is. What we view as love for another person, is largely based on the fulfillment of our self-interests, and there's nothing wrong with that; that's just part of being human. The major thing that separates us from the crocs and gators, is a lack of desire to consume each other (at least physically! LOL)

[@Debbie338]

I just found this channel and I love you guys! I’m a DVM in Florida and I don’t work with reptiles, but I have worked with exotic mammals for twenty-five years. The misleading videos you talk about represent the woo-ification of people who are easily fooled by “documentaries” that crop up everywhere. I deal with the fallout from those all the time. So glad to see people like you spreading accurate information.

[@waltervega8730]

Great video and very informative as always. I'm a vet tech student , and I now see alligators and crocodiles in a new light. They are amazing but will always be wild, they are not dogs or cats. Like you mentioned, Crocs and gators evolved differently. They're brains are wired for the responses that you mentioned, nothing more. Thank you for educating the public on this.

[@justindc3124]

You guys are great and I love your honesty.

[@martye9897]

Yes I understand what yall are saying but I honestly think that's his baby, he was well fed and stick em with him for 20+ years.

[@senka2578]

All wild animals, once habituated to humans, figure out for themselves how to associated with their handlers in a ‘positive’ way. They do things that show trust as they would with members of their own species. These actions may surprise us, but don’t ever confuse it with love.

[@ARealGopher]

"If i leaned over and hit him hed bite me" I bit my dad when he hit me too. I didnt love him either. Maybe were all just crocs.. cold prehistoric, hungry

[@PatriciaCross]

Even being a crocodile aside; what we as human beings understand as love is largely a social construct. Depending on where you are in the world and what time in history, it is a very different thing. It is a combination of different emotional responses, bonding, and context we have added to all of that through the context of our culture. There were periods where the concept was largely defined as a sense of loyalty and responsibility. There are still some people who view it that way, my father had that view. Everyone has a different understanding of love, which is why it's actually important to discuss what love is to you with anyone you may form any kind of relationship with. Romantic, friends, family, etc. A lot of where relationships fail is literally because we have different ideas of what love is. What we currently (as a society) define as love is very modern and an amalgamation of different cultures. It is still an ever evolving idea; and is even being changed by how we understand how the mind, emotions, bonding, etc. all work. It's also influenced by pop culture. So even when dealing with the animals which are closer to us humans in terms of emotional and intellectual capabilities (more social smart mammals), they are completely incapable of love as we would define it. They literally cannot think about their feelings in a complex way, they can mostly just respond to them. And reptiles lack the limbic system. While a dog can bond with us and have feelings of loyalty, affection, safety, happiness at our presence, etc.; a crocodile is only capable of a fraction of that. It can feel safe around you, it can probably feel some sort of happiness at your presence due to a history of good memories, it can even show affection. It lacks most or all of what is necessary to develop a sense of loyalty to you. The kind of social evolutionary step that makes being a mammal have the advantages we have, their brains literally lack the parts for it.

[@hunterkarr]

👍

[@gone9820]

I believe that the love of a wild animal is the tolerance of your presence. It can be more than that, sure, but it also depends on the animal's personality and/or nature/anatomy. There are animals who are aggressive in nature, and while I do believe they can love, its improbable because of their nature. Like hippos. There was a story about a hippo who killed its rescuer in the same place it was rescued. My point is, to love is to also have boundaries. If you respect the animal and not treat it like a puppy, it will tolerate you. Animals do not have morals and I dont get it why people act like they can love like people...

[@jomr4249]

@@gone9820But it’s also not necessarily true that an animal can’t love you and also attack you because their survival instinct could just be the primary driver in that specific moment. Just like humans can even hurt people that they love.

[@fallinginthed33p]

Excellent response. Crocodilians split from avians and dinosaurs about 100 million years ago and our mammal ancestors branched away from four legged reptiles at least 160 million years ago. That's a whole lot of time for mammalian brains to evolve separately to reptilians. We think differently because our brains are different.

[@k.e.f.1397]

Well damn. I came here from a clip of (what I thought was) that cute cuddly man loving crocodile but you just brought me back down to earth lol thank you for killing my dreams before I had a chance to run around like an idiot telling people about how crocodiles can love people lol

[@ForeverFridayVideo]

Interesting opinion. I personally do believed something a little more unique was going on with Pocho…but - I think you guys have a very scientific approach to your thoughts which is respectable, and why I watch your channel. Def love learning from you all. Love Nature 💕

[@TNRadventure]

You would think this makes me like animals less, but this the reason I love them. Animals are not hypocrites, only people are. I rescued a three foot gator whose body was stuck between the bars of a storm drain. I rescued it, but it didn't love me or devote its life to me because of it, it saw me as a potential threat and wanted to be released as soon as possible. We don't rescue animals expecting something in return, we do it because it's right. Steve Irwin knew this, a famous quote of his was "Crocodiles are easy, they try to eat you and kill you. People are harder, they pretend to be your friend first..." And he was right, between people and animals, I find animals to be easier to deal with.

[@80bbygrl]

The croc did seem to have some level of respect for Chito. You cant deny that... It may not have "loved" Chito, but it did seem to have some level of respect for him. How do we KNOW, for sure, that they dont feel emotions? Just curious?

[@methy9124]

I adore how honest you guys are. As someone with an animal care background all I see is people anthropomorphising animals to their detriment. Wholeheartedly agree with everything said in this video. However I’d still love to see a deep rooted metaphysical bond video where you and Casper play with crystals. That would be hilarious! 😂🐊🔮💎

[@Weigazod]

Well, I have always thought that animals act logically according to their knowledge. Didn't expect it to be so true.

[@OFP_TODAY]

Scientists used to think that dogs didn’t dream

[@DonnyBurger171]

The croc was litterly released a few miles away and made his way back. Don’t hate bro

[@caitlincwch]

Hey, I have a question :) Could you talk more about territorial behaviour? Like when is a alligator territorial, and when would/could it attack out of territorial behaviour? Also how do you know the different with a feeding response and when it's scared? Greetings from the Netherlands!

[@glitch-ify]

Territorial behaviour is found in some crocodilians. It occurs when other crocodilians fight for and enter a designated space, of which one crocodilian has deemed the area occupied by itself.

[@talex668]

Dude lived with him for over 20 years. Probably had brain damage from the gun shot. Anything is possible if even not likely.

[@bridgetbrown4086]

Watching this video again. And I am still so in love. With your snake baby girl. I am so proud to be subscribed to your channel. Thank you family. For what you do. With these great animals. Many blessings from a very happy Philly fan.🤗😇😁🥰😘😍🤩💕

[@alanale3735]

It’s human ego that makes us want everything else to behave like us. It’s ignorant and selfish to force our standards onto another being. Loving animals means respecting them and understanding them without judgment. Nature designed them that way and it works because they have survived millions of years. I teach my girls the same thing. Love = respect not expectations.

[@bl_ss]

I know this video is quite old so I probably won't get a response, but I'm gonna throw it out there anyway. Are affection and eating you as soon as you're dead _necessarily_ mutually exclusive? Also, I can't help but wonder _why_ any croc would come up and rest themselves on you even if they aren't hungry. Is there any _known_ reason behind that motive other than hunger or habit? I am asking these things not for a 'gotcha' moment or anything. These are just two things that, for me, haven't been answered. It completely makes sense that their brains are substantially different, thus work very differently and might very well be devoid of emotions as we know them. But with my emotional hopeful side, I'm still stuck on those two questions, because if there is any shred of doubt or lack of knowing, there is always a possibility of something we don't see. That's not to say I depend on that possibility, because obviously it's dangerous and might very well be insane. I see it as merely a possibility that hasn't been fully explained away.

[@giaparmer]

The way I see it the motivation for affection is just different, crocodilians show “affection” to communicate their current state of being i.e. not provoked or angered vs. humans who show affection to communicate a higher level of understanding in one’s environment, not just “I don’t currently in this second want to kill and eat you”. If that makes sense. Think about Maslows hierarchy of needs, crocs only exist in that lower tier of needs as most animals do, peoples understanding of why we show affection comes in several levels later based on a different motivation.

[@bl_ss]

@@giaparmer That would make sense, but it also begs the question why crocs even have the motive to communicate affirmatively in the first place...unless it's just an instinctual response as one of many components towards the goal of reproducing (even though obviously they can't with us) ...Yeah, I suppose that is a possibility, thanks for the answer

[@jbenso128]

I respect these animals more because of your work and lack of anthropomorphism to them. Thank you.

[@DaeisArc]

I really appreciate your videos and honesty. Thanks for sharing your knowledge I learned a lot!

[@MK-we9sw]

Even if they can love you doesn't mean they still won't kill you.

[@Mochic45]

I definitely can agree but I saw the documentary on Chito and Poncho. There was something, some bond between them. Plus Pocho isn't a gator, he's a crocodile....

[@shawnahathaway4762]

"People suspend their logical thought process" Is probably the most politically correct, kindest way to say that and I fully intend to throw that line in my vernacular 😎

[@jayd.doubledubs]

Thank goodness. I thought I was about to hear that Chito had abused Pocho or that Pocho had attacked Chito off camera. This was much better than anything I could have expected; thank you for the facts!

[@sporter7249]

I don’t know how in the world I stumbled across your channels but oh well I’m down the rabbit whole now. Anyway, I really appreciate your integrity and professionalism responsibility. This conversation is applicable for some human behaviors as well, I might add 😂

[@meltroyable]

I’ve never seen anyone cuddle an Aussie crocodile and live 🤠🇦🇺

[@tobiasladdarn1959]

This seems to be a pretty common expert concept about nursed/more tame animals that came from the wild. I know Kevin Richardson, who has his own wildlife foundation+sanctuary in Africa that he does fulltime(i think) with voluntary workers, is of the exact same opinion. Animals in general are capable of a lot of emotions, usually more of them/with more intensity than most people think they can feel. However when it comes to love or such, they can have/feel something similar with trust/loyalty and all but it’s never the same as the type of love we feel/they can’t feel the love were thinking about with a “good hearted” human. It’s not realistic and can be dangerous thinking of it the exact same way since with former wild animals they can always have wild insticts come up to surface, for whatever reason, and override that trust/love they have. This doesn’t of course neccesarily stand for every animal or is typical for every species but usually there is a stray example here and there were animals attacked or did something very unexpected. So even though you have a bond you should never 100% let go of your guard, especially when they haven’t been used to you for a very very long time(5+ years or so) and you’re not a true expert. Great vid!

[@Antibot2025]

Thank you for keeping it real guys. Love from England. ❤

[@paulneira5481]

sound more like jealously . while he has some education ( Chris )it doesn't mean he knows best . Chito as a special bond with pocho and sounds that this American crocodile have some caring or wanted attention I believe that is possible. I need more info of Chris education and degrees. Chiro left pocho on a far away river and pocho came back the next morning I believe i unlikely that pocho would come back to him for food if probably came for him as his mother or parental figure. I feel that the crocodile love chito since he was rescued very young. Chris need to tell a true story or expedience to get one of his gators and drop the gator of on a far way river for him to claim that pocho did not love chito. I need more info from chris education journey maybe a master or a PHd or other education degrees .

[@RobbedTheBank]

Thank you for this responsible, rational, honest approach to discussing your relationships with animals.